Jarratt Hall

University of Birmingham

£7 million

Client:

Completion:

2014

Key Points

Delivered to Passivhaus Standards

120 en-suite bedrooms

4, 5 and 6 bedroom clusters

A Growing Residential Hub

Jarratt Hall is the heart of Selly Oak Village, a growing residential hub for undergraduate and postgraduate students on the perimeter of the University of Birmingham’s leafy Edgbaston campus. Originally intended to deliver 740 rooms for the University, Phase one of the development was completed in 2001. Due to uncertainty of the Selly Oak by-pass, only 620 study bedrooms were completed.

With completion of the new road and the available site defined, we were appointed to deliver the second phase, which provided the missing accommodation; 120 en-suite bedrooms split between 4, 5 and 6 bedroom clusters with shared kitchen facilities.

Sympathetic Design

Elements sympathetic to the Phase one of works were included in the design, but we proposed to the University that the project offering the opportunity to make a bold, contemporary statement on this now very visible site. An eye-catching design was created by contrasting white brick at the base level with textured, blue engineering brick to the upper floors.

The massing of Jarratt Hall steps from 3 to 4 storeys across the site. We made sure it responded contextually to the Victorian terraced-houses of Selly Oak on one side and the modern built context on the other. The positioning of the building maximises the size of the internal amenity courtyard, providing a contemplative space for students to relax in. Laundry, social, reception and security office spaces for Phase two were accommodated for in the first phase, allowing this development to focus solely on delivering high quality accommodation for the University’s students.

PassivHaus Standards

In response to the University’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint we placed sustainability at the heart of our design. Jarratt Hall was delivered to Passivhaus standards, with high levels of air tightness and insulation standards, with the scheme linked to the University’s CHP district heating system.

Phase two was developed as a fully prefabricated turnkey solution, allowing construction to meet a tight programme schedule. All fixtures and fittings were also specified and procured in advance to ensure a smooth delivery of the University’s fit-out. Jarratt Hall offers students a spacious, attractive and sustainable environment to inhabit during their time at the University.